PADDY STAPLETON COLUMN - Nothing phoney about Tipp’s winning resolve

Don’t listen to anyone who thinks that Tipperary’s win over Limerick wasn’t significant!

After narrowly losing two national finals to Kilkenny in 2009 I can distinctly remember Liam Sheedy talking about the importance of beating the cats in the first round of the National League the following Spring. You typically do not just turn up on All-Ireland final or semi-final day and beat a dominant team for the first time. No matter who was on the pitch, Tipperary now know they can hang with Limerick, even if the stakes and intensity will be higher in a fortnight.  

The popular opinion is that Limerick will have learned an awful lot from playing Tipperary, but I would argue the opposite is also very true. We learned the importance of standing off their full backline when in possession at times is a positive step in stopping their passing game. We learned that playing zonally for Nicky Quaid’s puckouts is essential but that the aftermath of those puckouts are just as important as Tom Morrissey, in particular, got away from cover to gain scoring opportunities.  

 

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